Tight entry next year

An increasing number of high-achieving students could face tough competition for university places next year.

Secondary students are performing better than ever at NCEA and demand for university spots is rising, Ministry of Education figures reveal.

This comes as universities raise the academic bar on entry in response to the Government's clampdown on student numbers.

Some polytechnics are also understood to be restricting entry.

Ministry statistics show that since NCEA was introduced in 2003, the percentage of students leaving school with level 2 or higher increased from 53 per cent to 70 per cent within five years.

Domestic university enrolments also leapt by 7737 students between 2008 and 2009.

The 2010 budget provided 1735 extra spaces for universities to meet increased demand across New Zealand.

Figures for 2010 have not been released, but Massey University confirmed an increase is expected.

As the tertiary sector becomes more competitive, some Manawatu principals have reported increased stress among Year 13 students.

Awatapu College principal Tina Sims said the stakes are high for students with fewer jobs and tertiary opportunities.

"Anxiety is heightened this year and students are feeling under pressure," he said.

Freyberg High School students are also feeling more stressed, but principal Peter Brooks said they know what's expected of them.

"For students, they are making sure they work a bit harder. It's more valuable now to get excellence and merits."

Queen Elizabeth College principal Michael Houghton said there's bound to be some disappointed students, as the true meaning of restricted entry will take a few years to sink in at schools.

"For a lot of them reality won't hit until they've left school," he said.

Students who fail to get into their course of choice may need a plan B, or might choose to delay their goals, Mr Houghton said.

Palmerston North Boys' High School rector Tim O'Connor is confident students will respond to the added competitiveness and work toward new criteria.

"It's certainly tougher than it has been, but if you are a hard-working students your chances are quite significant," he said.

Massey University communications director James Gardiner said enrolments increased by 8.5 per cent between 2008 and 2009.

Massey, like all universities, will need to be more selective about the students it accepts, he said.

Due to increased demand and capped numbers, the university was forced to shut semester two and summer school enrolments early and introduced a preferential rating system for undergraduate students.

- © Fairfax NZ News